Name That Dog

One of my cyberspace artist friend, Alexandra, at BlueChairDiaryIllustrations, has created a contest to name her new dog character which will become the subject for greeting cards.

If you win there is a prize box filled with misc goodies such as art supplies, chocolates and your own original doodle of the doggy.

So, be sure to check out this doggy character at her website.

How about this cute doggy? She wins my heart.

Ebony

Only in Seattle

A new model of veterinarian care!


Urban Animal is committed to keeping pet care affordable and an approach that might include not pushing for the most extreme and costly interventions.

The office is another story. It is part Airstream and part 1978 Ford truck both of which are owned by practice founder Cherri Trusheim.

Urban Animal is located in an old medical building on Capitol Hill / First Hill in Seattle, Washington. The welcoming interior space has funky vinyl chairs and second-hand medical cabinets, paint-by-number dog portraits, and enormous vintage print of a cabin in the mountains, PLUS, in the corner a photobooth.

For only four dollars you and your dog can capture the moment with a take home print in only four minutes!

Dr. Trusheim worked as a relief vet and at an emergency hospital. Urban Animal accommodates walk-ins and is open on weekends.

I hope this model of veterinarian care becomes the norm.
Thank you, Dr. Trusheim!

Dog Bed Selection

Does your dog sleep in bed with you?


If no, then how do you choose the right bed for your dog?

Buying the right doggie bed requires a little forethought and a lot of consideration for your dog – but it does not necessarily require a lot of money.

Buying the right kind of bed and maintaining it properly can go a long way to your dog's happiness, and maybe even your own. If he has a comfy place to drop, he may be less likely to curl up on the couch or your own bed. Letting your dog sleep with you is generally a bad idea, and can lead to dominance problems says experts.

In shopping for a bed, consider that it should:

Provide comfort
Conserve body heat
Protect bony prominences
Be easy to clean
Resist moisture

The bed should combine softness with durability, and should not contain or attract dust or poisonous substances. It should also be springy, not compacted, after repeated use. You will find it easier to buy a bed that comes with a removable cover, which you can throw in the washing machine.

There are several types you can choose from:

1. Slumber beds. Some are lined with fur, and a few come with hoods.

2. Bean beds. Covered with a soft fabric, bean beds contain a type of material that holds to your dog's shape as he changes position. Some are filled with cedar or other moisture-resistant materials.

3. Cushion beds. Soft fabric cover (sheepskin-texture is very common) over plastic-enclosed foam provides good support for the slumbering dog. The plastic keeps moisture from getting into and ruining the foam mattress.

4. Donut or nesting bed. This is a type of cushion bed that contours around your pet to let him nestle in the center.


Pleasant dreams!

Clever Dog Video

I am sure you have watched many dog videos as have I, but this one caught my attention. Adam Cox not only captured silly dog antics, but also enhanced the story with music and dialogue.

This clever dog video is good for a few laughs. Watch.........

Dogs in Slow Motion

Although this is an advertising commercial, it is well worth the time to watch. The video not only captures the eligence of the dog's movement to capture a treat, but also the joy of the event.

Watch this...........

Dog and Dolphin Swimming Buddies

A friend of mine sent this video which I must share.

Here is a Lab and dolphin playing in the Tory Island Harbour, in Ireland.

Very sweet......

Dog Food Dos and Don'ts

There are so many different dog food options available for all different kinds of dogs that choosing the right food can be an intimidating task. How do you even begin?


What you see on that label is the key to knowing whether a food is appropriate for your dog. Before you choose a new food, become educated about some common ingredients so you can know what is preferable and what is not.

One quick note: the higher up on a list an ingredient is, the more it makes up that food. Most of your dog's food will be composed of the first few ingredients on the list. This is important to keep in mind if you see any of the below undesirable ingredients.

THE DON'TS:

The number one ingredient to avoid is something labeled “by-products” or “by-product meals.” These are ingredients created from waste parts in the butchering process. These parts contain no muscle tissue, and are classified as unfit for human consumption. Meat by-products are things like lungs, spleen, liver, stomach, and even bone. If a dog food lists any kind of by-product as one of the first ingredients, avoid it. Instead, look for dog food that lists actual meat as an ingredient. And do not confuse an ingredient like plain “chicken meal” for the yucky stuff described above; it is not the same thing as chicken by-product meal.

Anything artificial is best to avoid as well. Many dog foods use artificial colors and flavors. These synthetic additives are unnecessary, since color has little importance for your dog and there are many natural ways to improve flavor. Some artificial dyes, such as FD&C Red #40, can even impact you; they can be so strong that if vomited, they can stain carpets and fabrics.

Dog foods also often contain fillers; that is, parts with little to no nutritional value that are added to food to increase volume or weight. Almost all dog food is sold by weight, so bulking up food with inexpensive ingredients can save companies a lot of money. The issue is that your dog gets absolutely nothing from these ingredients, and in most cases their body cannot even break them down. (It even makes more work for you, since what comes in must go out, if you know what I mean). Common fillers include soybean meal and flour, as well as wheat middlings, wheat gluten, and corn meal gluten.

Try to get a dog food that little to no sweeteners or sugar as well. Excess sugar in your dog's diet can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes. The sugar on the ingredients list can appear in a number of different ways including cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

On the other hand there are some ingredients that it is good to have in your dog's food. Look for dog foods that name natural ingredients and boast no preservatives or by-products.

THE DOS:

Now that you are aware of ingredients to avoid and if you are considering switching foods, many pet owners are choosing natural foods. There are many healthy options for our pets. The benefits of natural are due to the use of only natural ingredients that can have a positive impact on many areas of your Dog's health.